Get a tapering pole 10 or 12 feet in length; bore holes through it at intervals of 8 inches or 9 inches, about 7/8 inch in diameter. Now let the pole be ripped down the centre, and prepare as many spokes as you have holes, taking care that the lowest shall be the longest, and that each one above should be a trifle shorter. Let each be fitted quite tight, and at the bottom and top be very secure; and if the ladder is longer than 12 feet, an iron rod put under the top and bottom stave, projecting through each side and secured by a nut, gives extra strength and security to it.